UGANDA BREWERIES: FROM GRAIN TO GLASS
BUSINESS TIMES
UGANDA BREWERIES
UGANDA BREWERIES
FROM GRAIN TO GLASS: INSIDE UGANDA BREWERIES LTD BREWING PROCESS
Project by: Malvern Kandemwa
Words by: Michelle Duncan
Uganda Breweries Ltd is a leading manufacturer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Uganda. The company has been in operation for years and has managed to carve out a niche
for itself in the highly competitive beverage industry. The success of Uganda Breweries Ltd is a result of the company’s excellent leadership, operational excellence, and investment in new manufacturing equipment and technology.
The history of Uganda Breweries Ltd dates to the early 1950s when the company was set up
to produce and distribute beer and other alcoholic beverages. The company has grown over the years to become one of the leading manufacturers of alcoholic beverages in the country.
Uganda Breweries Ltd is currently owned by East African Breweries Ltd, which is part of the Diageo group, a global leader in the beverage industry.
FOOD & DRINK
One of the key factors contributing to the success of Uganda Breweries Ltd is its excellent leadership. The company has a dedicated team of experienced leaders who are dedicated to ensuring the success of the business. The leadership team at Uganda Breweries Ltd has managed to develop a strong company culture that is focused on delivering high-quality products and services to customers. The leaders at Uganda Breweries Ltd are also committed to promoting sustainable business practices, which has helped the company to keep its position as a leader in the industry.
Operational excellence is another key factor contributing to the success of Uganda Breweries Ltd.
The company has implemented a range of strategies to ensure that its operations are efficient and effective. For example, Uganda Breweries Ltd has invested heavily in its supply chain management systems to ensure that it can efficiently manage its inventory and stock levels. The company has also implemented lean manufacturing processes to cut waste and increase efficiency in its production processes.
Another key factor contributing to the success of Uganda Breweries Ltd is its investment in new manufacturing equipment and technology. The company has invested heavily in modern equipment and technology to improve the quality of its products and increase production efficiency. For example,
the company’s new brewing plant in Mbarara is equipped with ultramodern equipment that allows for faster and more efficient production of beer. This investment in new equipment and technology has helped Uganda Breweries Ltd to keep its competitive edge in the industry.
Uganda Breweries Ltd is a fitting example of a successful business that has managed to thrive in a highly competitive industry. The company’s success is a result of its excellent leadership, operational excellence, and investment in new manufacturing equipment and technology. As Uganda Breweries Ltd continues to grow and expand, the company will remain a leader in the industry for years to come..
The process begins with selecting the best quality barley from trusted local supplies.
3. FERMENTATION
Once the cooled mixture is filtered, it is transferred to fermentation tanks to add yeast.
The mashing process involves mixing the barley with hot water in large tanks to extract the sugars from the grain.
BREWING INNOVATION
Uganda Breweries Limited is one of the leading breweries in Uganda, producing a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The company has a well-established manufacturing process that starts from barley and ends at the bottle.
Barley is the main ingredient used in making the brewery’s products. The process begins with selecting the best quality barley from trusted suppliers.
The barley is then cleaned and sorted to remove impurities before it is taken to the mashing stage.
The mashing process involves mixing the barley with hot water in large tanks to extract the sugars from the grain. The resulting liquid, known as wort, is then transferred to another tank, where it is boiled with hops to add flavor and aroma. The boiled mixture is then filtered to remove any solid particles before it is cooled.
Once the cooled mixture is filtered, it is transferred to fermentation tanks to add yeast. The yeast breaks down the sugars in the wort to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. The mixture is left to ferment for several days to ensure that the alcohol levels are exactly right.
After fermentation, the beer is transferred to conditioning tanks to mature and develop its taste. During this stage, the beer is further filtered to remove any remaining particles and to ensure its clarity.
1. BARLEY
2. MASHING
Finally the beer is transferred to the warehouse for storage and distribution.
Finally, the beer is transferred to bottling tanks, where it is packaged and labeled. The bottled beer is then sent to the warehouse for storage and distribution.
Uganda Breweries Ltd is known for its innovation and attention to customer needs. They regularly introduce contemporary brands and flavors to keep up with changing consumer preferences. The company has invested heavily in research and development to create new products that cater to different tastes and lifestyles.
They have a robust manufacturing process that ensures the quality and consistency of its products. Through innovation and customer-driven strategies, the company continues to grow and offer an extensive range of beverages to its customers. They have partnered with Milly Glass Works Limited who supply them with eco-friendly and sustainable bottles as well as Expediters International Ltd amongst others.
6. DISTRIBUTION
After fermentation, the beer is transferred to conditioning tanks to mature and develop its taste.
4. CONDITIONING
The beer is then transferred to bottling tanks, where it is packaged and labeled.
5. BOTTLING
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PARTNERSHIP
One of Uganda Breweries Limited’s most prominent partnerships is with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Under the UWA partnership, the company supports conservation efforts in various national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The partnership, which began in 2019, has resulted in the restoration of wildlife habitats, anti-poaching patrols, and other wildlife conservation efforts. In addition to its conservation efforts, Uganda Breweries Limited has also made significant strides towards sustainability in its operations. The company has adopted an ambitious target to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2025. To achieve this goal, the company has invested in renewable energy projects, including an 11 MW solar plant in Mpigi district, which will generate clean energy for the company’s operations.
Furthermore, Uganda Breweries Limited has also invested in low-carbon technologies to reduce its environmental footprint. The company has launched a pilot project to convert beer brewing waste into biogas, which is then used to generate electricity. This approach not only reduces the company’s carbon footprint but also supplies an alternative source of energy, reducing the company’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The company’s commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Uganda Breweries Limited was recognized as one of the top 50 most sustainable companies in East Africa by the East African Business Council. The company’s CEO attributed this recognition to the company’s investments in renewable energy, waste reduction, and other sustainable business practices.
Uganda Breweries Limited has also made significant strides towards technology transformation. The company has invested in modern brewing equipment and digital technology to improve efficiency and productivity. These investments have enabled the company to perfect its brewing processes, reduce raw material wastage, and improve product quality.
In addition to smart technology investments, Uganda Breweries Limited has also embraced e-commerce platforms to expand its customer base. The company has launched an online store where customers can buy its products from the comfort of their homes.
